Abstract: A method for the distributed manufacturing of an object includes steps of: providing one or more data files for at least one object associated with a branded product and/or service; including the object, images of the object, and/or references to the object, in marketing materials for the branded product or service; providing access to the one or more files via a network in exchange for traffic to a network location associated with the branded product and/or service; and having the objects manufactured using the one or more files accessed over the network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unwinding a roll of web material are disclosed herein. The web material is unwound from the roll and the machine direction of motion of the web is altered without creating a problematic span of web material. A value analogous to the tension of the web material is determined. The speed of the web is adjusted according to the analog of the tension of the web. The apparatus can comprise an unwind stand to rotate the roll, and a means for altering the direction of travel of the web material. The apparatus further comprises a means to determine an analog of the web material tension and a means of controlling the speed of the web according to the analog of the web tension. The web material is routed to a downstream process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the non-contact measurement of tension in a moving web material are provided herein. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a non-contacting tension-sensing element, such as an airfoil, disposed transverse to the machine direction of the web material at least one sensor capable of detecting a reaction of the non-contacting tension-sensing element to changes in the tension of the moving web material and a data processing system capable of determining a web tension analog value that is proportional to the tension of the web material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the non-contact measurement of tension in a moving web material are provided herein. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a non-contacting tension-sensing element, such as an airfoil, disposed transverse to the machine direction of the web material at least one sensor capable of detecting a reaction of the non-contacting tension-sensing element to changes in the tension of the moving web material and a data processing system capable of determining a web tension analog value that is proportional to the tension of the web material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unwinding a roll of web material are disclosed herein. The web material is unwound from the roll and the machine direction of motion of the web is altered without creating a problematic span of web material. A value analogous to the tension of the web material is determined. The speed of the web is adjusted according to the analog of the tension of the web. The apparatus can comprise an unwind stand to rotate the roll, and a means for altering the direction of travel of the web material. The apparatus further comprises a means to determine an analog of the web material tension and a means of controlling the speed of the web according to the analog of the web tension. The web material is routed to a downstream process.